The sounds of a Ukrainian choir will mark the resumption of a poignant and thought-provoking exhibition that is touring North Yorkshire.
Libraries across the county have played host to the photographic presentation since it was launched in June last year.
Since then, hundreds of residents have learned more about life in Ukraine since the conflict with Russia began on 24 February, 2022, and how those forced to leave have begun new lives in the North of England.
Since the start of hostilities, more than 1,655 Ukrainians have moved to North Yorkshire through initiatives such as the Homes for Ukraine scheme, with 241 settling in the Scarborough area.
The display, funded by us through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, consists of six boards with photos and descriptions detailing Ukraine before and during the war and the experiences of refugees since moving to North Yorkshire.
It is being staged in conjunction with North Yorkshire Libraries’ Cultural Connections, a countywide programme that uses libraries as cultural hubs.
The tour is set to resume with a special performance at Scarborough Library on Thursday next week (12 February) when a Ukrainian choir will sing songs from their homeland.
It will be attended by executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, whose responsibilities include stronger communities, and Roman Pronyszyn, the Ukrainian community co-ordinator in Richmond and surrounding area, who was responsible for the idea of the exhibition.
Cllr Phillips said: “I am really looking forward to attending this event and meeting members of the Ukrainian community who have made their home in the Scarborough area. It is important that we welcome people fleeing conflict with open arms.
“Since hostilities began, our towns and villages have taken in many Ukrainian families, and it has been inspiring to see the contributions they’re now making to our community life.”
A member of the choir, Mariana Vyshyvana, said the choir consisted of seven women, all from different regions of Ukraine.
Mariana said: “Some of us came directly to North Yorkshire, while others lived in other parts of the UK, including Wales and Manchester. We each arrived here for different reasons – some had acquaintances in the area, and others were simply looking for a calm and welcoming place to start again.
“We all truly love living in Scarborough. It is a beautiful and peaceful town with stunning nature and incredibly kind, polite, and friendly people. We really feel like welcomed guests here.”
The choir was founded by Olena Bukovska and Mariana Chyrva, who wanted to bring people together through music.
Mariana said: “Music is incredibly important to Ukrainians - we have always sung in joyful times and in difficult ones. During the war especially, music helps us unite.
“Although we come from different parts of Ukraine, we are brought together by our traditions and culture. We created this choir to share our pain, but also our small joys because joy multiplies when it is shared.
“For each of us, the choir is not so much about professionalism as it is about emotional connection, support, and mental health. It gives us strength.”
The event at which the choir will sing runs from 5pm to 7pm at the library on Vernon Road. It is free and will also include traditional Ukrainian food provided by the Sunflower Cafe, a community‑focused cafe and hub run by the Salvation Army on Alma Parade.
The exhibition has so far visited eight locations across North Yorkshire and after Scarborough can soon be seen in Eastfield, Richmond, Whitby, East Ayton and Harrogate.
Mariana said: “We are thankful for the opportunity to be part of the exhibition and would warmly encourage people to come and see it. It is important to keep Ukraine visible, to share stories, culture, and humanity – and this exhibition does exactly that.”
Roman said the exhibition had been very well received and he encouraged everyone to take time out to visit if they could.
He said: “It is important that people have a greater understanding of what is happening in Ukraine, especially now that public attention is diverted by other international news.
“Visitors to the exhibition will gain a deeper understanding of both the suffering and the resilience of the Ukrainian people and will take heart in seeing how they are building new lives within their local communities.”